Rodney Formanczyk, 71, of Gaylord, Michigan, passed away Tuesday, November 3, 2020, at his home.
He was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 20, 1949, to Stanley and Genevieve (Machowski) Formanczyk who preceded him in death.
Rod had an uncanny ability to talk to anyone, which made his job in sales the perfect career. No matter where he went, he would always see someone he knew to strike up a conversation. He also enjoyed hunting at “Rod’s Deer Camp” and would boast if someone shot a deer – “It’s not as big as my 4 point.”
He is survived by his wife, Joan; son, Stephen (Michelle Hlywa) and Michelle’s daughters Lucy and Izzy of Fenton, MI and, son, Todd (Stacy) of Gaylord, MI; and his most beloved granddaughter, Jordan; his brother, Gregory (Karen) Formanczyk of Rochester Hills, MI, and sister Susan Florek of Macomb, MI., and many nieces and nephews.
He touched so many lives in so many meaningful ways. His kind soul will be missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 6, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. from St. Mary Cathedral. Visitation will be held at St. Mary Cathedral on Friday, November 6, 2020, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 7262, Hillsborough, NJ 08844-7262.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
30 comments on “Rodney S. Formanczyk”
You will be greatly missed, Dear Uncle. I love you dearly.
I just spoke with you my friend, and we ended our conversation as we always did “friends.” You and I hit it off right from the beginning. You will be greatly missed, my friend. I will always remember the funny way you referred to yourself… “Rod the God, Lord of the Ford” … And whatever I did or had you would try and one-up me. You were a character. I’ll miss your voice……
David Sage
This Truly Breaks My Heart, He was Such a Great Man and a Dear Family Friend! I have so many Memories from the Good Times we had At My Parent’s house ( Steve and Jenny O’Rourke) . My Family sends Love, and Prayers to the Family!!!
My oldest brother Rodney. We were always there for each other and the three of stuck together no matter what. You are now in heaven where there is no more pain and suffering. One day we will all be united again. Love you.
Dear Joan, Steve & Todd, so sorry to hear of Rod’s passing. He was one of the kindest people I know & always made me laugh. May he Rest In Peace & you find comfort in your memories. Nancy Bottomley
We are sorry to hear this news. Rodney was a good neighbor.
The Kallek Family
We were so incredibly saddened to hear about Rods passing. He was such a wonderful person that always had a smile and was such a character! We will cherish our memories of him. God Bless you all,
Love Dr. Don & Marlene Cousineau.
Dear Joan, Todd, Steve, and family; So sorry to hear about Rodney. His love and joy for life, fun, and family were unmeasurable. Hold on to his memories, they can never be taken away. It was a pleasure to have him as a friend and his memory will be lasting with us. We wish you all love, peace, and strength during this time of sorrow. Hugs to all.
Dear Joan, Todd, and Steve, We are so very sorry for your loss of Rod. He was a funny guy who always had a smile. Ran into him later on again when he worked at Sears loved to go there and have him crack a funny one-liner. My hubby always loved to shop at Sears when Rod was around. Hold on to his memories he will be with you in your heart always. Sending hugs
Dear Joan – so very sorry to hear about your loss. I have fond memories of Rodney from our childhood days when we all played together in the old neighborhood. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Joan, Steve and Todd-My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. What a man Rod the God was!!! I will never forget his jokes, his smile, his twinkle in his eyes, his name for me-Laser Lips, and his unmeasurable love for all of you. I am honored to have been his friend. I hope you all find much comfort in your memories of him. Rest easy my friend.
Dear Joan and family I am so sorry to hear of Rod’s passing. What a great guy! He never sold me a Ford, but he did sell me a refrigerator from Sears! Big Hugs!
Dear Joan, Steve and Todd-Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sears was not the same after Rod retired.
We will miss his happy personality. A great friend.
I was so sad to hear of Rods passing. What a great guy. I worked with Rod at Sears for many years and couldn’t have asked to work with a better person. He loved his family and we talked about them often. He was someone that enjoyed life and made all around him feel better after they met him. He and Joan have been a mainstay in Gaylord and are the reason people are proud to say they’re from Gaylord. I have since moved from Gaylord and miss it and people like Rod and family that make it such a great place to live. You’ll be missed Rod, rest in peace.
Dear Joan, Steve and Todd, My heart is breaking with you Since I heard of Rod’s passing, I’ve been reflecting on the memories we all made over the past 46 years. From being young parents in Sterling Heights to crazy parents (remember the summer of ’82) to the old people that would visit early so we could be home by 7 o’clock!! (What a difference 46 years makes!) I’ve been laughing and crying. I’ll miss his calls and hearing, “Hey Dorenie”! Rod had a heart of gold and a personality to match. He played hard and loved fiercely. RIP big guy. I love you.
Dear Joan, Steve and Todd, so sad to hear of Rods passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Rodney will be missed no doubt about it . The morning of Tuesday November 3rd I woke up and was thinking of Rodney that it was time for me to send him another card saying “JUST THINKING OF YOU” which I often did. I’ve known Rodney for 18 years and him and we joked with one another and neither one of us every had our feelings hurt he was just a fun man to be around and I will deeply miss him, Joan your in my prayers. God bless you and your family.
Rod was a great person to work with at Sears he had a great personality with people I am glad I got to cross paths with him and I learn some things from him and had some good times working together he will be missed prayers for him and his family my thoughts and condolences 🙏
If there was an easier man to talk to I don’t know of him. He certainly personified the perfect salesman. Rodney was a good man. He will be missed by not only his family but the many good friends he made living his life. Rest In Peace, Rodney.
Ed Sandri
Dear Joan,Stephen ,Todd and family
I was so sad to hear of Rods passing. I’ve got such great memories of Rod when we all worked together at the KFC hall, we had such good times working together in the kitchen for functions. Rod was such a great guy. I also bought a couple of vehicles from Rod when he worked at Gaylord Ford. He had the ability to get along with everyone. I always enjoyed my talks with Rod. He will be greatly missed for sure. My thoughts and prayers are with you Joan, Stephen Todd and family
Rodney, you have left a void in everyone’s hearts. I will miss our talks and laughs. I will miss you. Rest in peace. I love you.
Mike and I are so sorry for your loss!!!! He is in God’s place and was loved by many here on Earth!
Dear Joan & family,
Rod was such a sweetheart ,such a good guy , with a great laugh & smile . We’re so sorry for your loss .
Rod will never be forgotten .
Sending prayers & Love,
Jennifer & Paul Burgess
I attended Guardian Angels School with Rodney. He was always such a nice person, I have many fond memories of laughter & I shall always remember him with a smile. My sincere condolences to his wife and family.
Dear Joan, Steve, Todd and family,
I am so sorry to hear that Rod has passed away. He was always such a friendly and sincere person. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers!
Emily (McLain) Clement
My husband and I send our condolences to the family of Rodney Formancyzk, most especially to (Deacon) Greg and his wife Karen. Deacon Greg has presided over so many memorial masses at our church in Troy, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. What a sad occasion this is, I can’t imagine losing a sibling. We are so sorry for your loss.
Joan and sons, I’m so sad to read of Rod’s passing. Loren always loved chatting with Rod. Went to “Rod’s Hunting Camp” a few times. Rod had a kind soul and as a friend he called me a few times after Loren passed to see how I was doing. Now our guys have joined the great hunting camp in heaven. I’m sure they have a 6 pack and are telling many stories. R.I.P. {{{HUGS}}}
Joan,Steve and Todd,
Jennifer and Anthony and I loved our time working with you all at the K of C hall. We always enjoyed each time we did. Rod was such a awesome guy and friend, as you all were. I also bought a car through Rod when he worked at Gaylord Ford. And then, after Jerry and I were married, we bought several appliances through Rod at Sears.
He was truly an awesome friend and he will be greatly missed.
Joan, so sorry for you and the boys loss, loved working with the bone head at Gaylord ford, what a great guy.
I first meet Rod at Gaylord Ford cleaning the windows. He was always joking,smiling, talking just being friendly. I bought a car from him and later a washing machine. The last several years cleaning his condo windows again kidding and joking just a fun likable person to be around. I will miss him. Looking forward to seeing him again in the resurrection. John 5:28,29. I’m very much saddened by his passing.